Annapolis City Dock – In April 2016, the City of Annapolis wrapped up a six-month, $6.1 million bulkhead replacement project at City Dock. Seven-hundred linear feet of new steel sheet piles were installed and capped by a new seawall that is 0.1' higher than the previous one. The higher, wider seawall features a step on the landward side that's perfect for seating. The seawall contains alternating wood mooring piles and mooring bitts (recessed cleats mounted into the seawall) at six foot intervals. While the number of boat slips remains at 17, boaters have more and uniform tie-off options.

U.S. Naval Academy – May 2016, the U.S. Naval Academy opened a high-tech exhibit that greets visitors as they enter Halsey Field House on their way to the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center. Serving as a “quarterdeck”, the exhibit features several interactive screens, including a 20' x 6' touch-screen interactive wall map that pinpoints sites to see around the “Yard.” Another video screen features midshipmen and recent graduates discussing admissions, academics, midshipmen life and career options. A third screen hosts the Alumni Association directory. Other features include nearly 700 photos and videos of life at the academy and photography of iconic moments. www.unna.edu, 410-293-2292.

Maryland State House – After three years of renovations, the Old Senate Chamber reopened to the public in July 2015. It's been restored to how it would have architecturally appeared in 1783-1784, when Congress held session in Annapolis, ratified the Treaty of Paris and accepted George Washington's resignation as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. A new exhibit tells the story of Washington's resignation, and the restoration of the Old Senate Chamber. http://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdstatehouse/html/home.html, 410-260-6445.

Annapolis Design District – A well-kept secret since 2007, the Annapolis Design District is going public! In fall 2015, it showcased its many businesses in the first Art in Action Annapolis Design District Street Festival. The festival kicked off with the unveiling of five building-size street art images created by Brazilian artists who flew to the U.S. by invitation of the Design District. Another 15 buildings have been designated for murals in the months ahead. As its name implies, the Design District is home to builders, renovators, interior designers and cabinet makers, but the mix goes beyond that to include artists, photographers and artisans. http://annapolisdesigndistrict.com/, http://gallery3976.com/contact/.

Annapolis Art in Public Places – While Annapolis has long been called a “Museum without Walls,” the City's Art in Public Places Commission goes a step further by calling Annapolis “An Art Gallery without Walls.” The Commission's new 60-page “Art in the City of Annapolis” catalogue includes maps inviting readers to take walking tours of the arts in Annapolis. The piece groups the artwork into categories, making it easy for art lovers to explore favorite public art mediums. Among other new entries, the booklet highlights murals that have graced walls in the Annapolis Design District since September 2015. The catalogues are available at the 26 West Street Visitors Center. www.annapolis.gov/ArtTour.

Scooter Revolution – Visitors can now explore the Annapolis area by scooter. Scooter Revolution gives adventurous souls the opportunity to discover Annapolis on a Vespa Scooter. Kiersten Broughton opened her business in 2015. Scooter Revolution offers two-hour, half-day and full-day rentals by reservation. Their 1801 West Street location gives scooter newbies plenty of space to practice less than one mile from downtown Annapolis. They even offer transportation from City Dock and nearby marinas and hotels, if necessary. https://scooter-revolution.com/, 410-299-2328.

Annapolis Waterfront Hotel – Same location, new name. The Annapolis Marriott Waterfront is now the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel. In fall 2015, the property became the 92nd hotel in Marriott's Autograph Collection. In keeping with the Autograph theme, “exactly like nothing else,” the hotel has changed its look to reflect the Annapolis community – with images of the U.S. Naval Academy throughout the hotel. In spring 2016, the hotel began offering three new packages that include a visit to the U.S. Naval Academy and lunch or dinner for two at the Officer's Club. The tour begins when a U.S.N.A. certified guide greets guests in the hotel lobby. http://www.annapoliswaterfront.com/, 410-268-7555.

Great Frogs Winery – Established in 1999, Great Frogs Winery on Harness Creek Vineyards in Annapolis recently introduced a tasting room and event area. While individuals once had to travel to farmer's markets to sample and buy Great Frogs wines, winemakers Nate and Andrea O'Shea now invite them to enjoy on-site tastings and special events in and around their signature tobacco barn on land that has been dedicated to farming since 1691. http://www.greatfrogs.com/, 410-626-6193.

Family Fishing Adventures – Since April 2016, children ages 5 to 16 have been casting off for a 1.75-hour trip aboard a 30-foot U.S. Coast Guard certified fishing vessel – the Sea Dragon – to learn how to fish, crab and preserve the Chesapeake Bay. Departing from the Annapolis City Marina, Family Fishing Adventures captain Chris Hendershot and crew lead a hands-on adventure to teach kids how to use a fishing rod and reel, bait and operate lures and equipment for light tackle fishing, discover and identify local marine life, haul different types of crab pots and explore the Chesapeake Bay. http://familyfishingadventures.com/ffa/, 410-279-8325.

Fort Smallwood Park Boat Ramp – Annapolis and Anne Arundel County visitors have a new option for getting on the water. In April 2016, Anne Arundel County opened a $4.9 million boat ramp at Fort Smallwood Park in Pasadena. It's the first public boat ramp owned by Anne Arundel County. Prior to its opening, area residents and visitors had two options for launching a boat from a public boat ramp in Anne Arundel County – Sandy Point State Park and the City of Annapolis's Truxton Park. Anne Arundel County also opened up Fort Smallwood Park to swimming this summer. http://www.aacounty.org/services-and-programs/fort-smallwood-park-boat-ramp, 410-222-0087.

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Contact: Susan Seifried, Vice President, Public Relations and Communications sseifried@VisitAnnapolis.org, 410-280-0445, ext. 303